Cyclades Yacht Charter

The Cyclades is a group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. This group of some 220 islands are peaks of a submerged mountain range; only a few are suitable for habitation but all are a treat to sail around. Those on a Cyclades yacht charter will be traveling through the clear blue waters that both Greece and the Cyclades are renowned for, before stopping of in ports with ancient culture and fascinating history ripe for exploration. Naxos and Amorgos are two of the more popular stop off points on a yacht charter of the Cyclades. Here you will be able to explore the hilly terrain and swim in the crystal clear waters before enjoying some local cuisine and stunning scenery on board your Cyclades charter yacht.

Visit the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos and guests can begin their day exploring the ancient ruins of a Byzantine monastery before browsing the shops and, finally, dining in one of the island’s excellent restaurants. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets from sandy beaches and stunning views from the top of sheer cliffs on the island of Naxos. The tiny island of Ios is one of the most picturesque of all the Cyclades islands; the traditional Aegean architecture and beautiful beaches have been captured many times in photos and fond memories. Guests should certainly spend a few days on their Cyclades yacht charter in Santorini, the Queen of the Cyclades whose wild beauty and impressive caldera were created by a tremendous volcanic eruption during the second millennium BC.

Having listened to the advice of our most experienced captains and yacht charter crews, and taken on board the suggestions of many of our clients, YPI Group has put together a Cyclades yacht charter itinerary that takes in the highlights of this region. This itinerary is only a suggested route, and if you have favourite areas you would like to visit on your charter please ask your dedicated YPI Group charter broker, or charter yacht captain.

Day 1 – Embark in Lavrio

The port of Lavrio is increasing in importance every year due to its geographical position which makes it ideal for new cruising routes to the islands in the Cyclades, with the added advantage of the new airport being close by. The city, like most Greek harbours, offers lovely tavernas and cafes and is famous for its abundance of palm trees.

Day 2 - Hydra

Hydra town is the capital and main harbour for the island, which is built like an amphitheatre around the port. It looks as glamorous as an oil painting with grey, white and azure complementing the blue of the sea, an example of fine architecture and aesthetics. From the south-west of the island we reach the cove of Saint Nikolaos. There, one can find a pebble beach with clear, clean waters, ideal for underwater fishing. Its slopes are covered with pine trees.

Day 3 - Approaching Milos

Milos is known as “the island of colours” thanks to its volcanic origin which offers beaches, rocks and waters of unique, colourful beauty! Be sure you visit and swim at Papafragas Bay! Next to the ruins of ancient Filakopi, are the three caves of Papafragas. The main cave features deep blue and green waters among white rocks leading to the open sea. During Byzantine years the cave was used by pirates, and got its name from the last Catholic priest that used the cave to protect his boat.

Day 4 - Santorini

Santorini, one of the best-known of the Cyclades, differs from the other islands in the group thanks to its geological morphology, the result of prehistoric volcanic activity.
On the western side of the island towering cliffs, crowned by tiny, blindingly white houses, plunge straight into the sea. The steep coastline on the west is countered by the vast beaches on the east side, some sandy and others with pebbles.

Day 5 - Paros

A uniquely beautiful, quiet beach located in the western section of the Bay of Naoussa, Paros. It is characterized by wonderful sculptures formed in the granite over millennia by natural erosion, creating a series of semi-private coves.
A serene landscape with fertile valleys and rolling hills dotted with small churches and monasteries, endless sandy beaches with sparkling blue waters, famous monuments from the land’s rich ancient and medieval past, picturesque white villages bathed in the unique, dazzling Aegean light.

Day 6 – Heading for Naxos

In Naxos everything is imposing, compared with the rest of Cyclades islands. The landscape of the island is diverse - plains succeed barren areas, marble mountains lead to deep shadowed glens, white villages are surrounded by lush vegetation and sandy beaches meet the sea. The island has an incredible folk architecture, splendid stark landscape, exceptional climate and an abundance of sandy coastlines!

Day 7 – Mykonos, the island of Winds

Stop for swim at Plati Yialos which offers everything you need for the perfect beach holiday: a golden sandy beach lapped by crystal clear waters, a range of watersports for the more energetic, several excellent tavernas overlooking the sea and regular water taxis to the world renowned sandy beaches of Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrapi and Elia.

Overnight stay in the port of Mykonos. Time for a few cocktails!

Day 8 – Traditional Syros

Proud of its beauty and finesse, with a harbour that is a landmark in Greek history, Syros is ready to seduce and lure you to its unique rhythm.
Phoinicas bay is very striking with its choice of many sailing yachts. It offers calm waters and plenty of entertainment, both in the sea and on dry land.

Day 9 – Kithnos, Kolona Beach & Kea

Kolona Beach – a unique beach created from a narrow strip of land connecting Kythnos to the islet of Agios. It’s particular charm is the fine golden sandy beach with the sea lapping from both sides.
Kea has exceptional beaches and one of the best systems of walking paths and trails of any Greek island. Kea is a hiker’s paradise with numbered routes that take you through a variety of landscapes to remote coves and the ruins of ancient cities.

Day 10 – Sounio and disembarkation

A sign of approaching safe harbour for sailors who navigated towards Athens and a sign of farewell for departing ones, the temple of Poseidon has stood silently for thousands of years as a reminder of respect for mighty Poseidon and his capricious ocean.